Parking Lot Parties: Your Checklist

Parking lot parties are akin to tailgate parties, but instead of going into a stadium to watch some football, you can run laps in spring corn and return to your vehicle pod squad whenever you have a need to fuel up or relax.

To truly rock the parking lot party and enjoy the day, here’s what you need.

1. A Chair.

Not all partygoers have vehicles with tailgates and if they do, you want to keep it free of debris and butts to make room for the shotski (see #2). Pack up your favorite camping chair so you can relax and soak in the sun.

This is the perfect chair, by ALPS:

This is not a great chair, OR IS IT?!?

2. A Shotski.

Nothing brings a group together than toasting the season while hoisting a shotski. Utahns are so good at it, we recently broke a world record for longest shotski. If you don’t have one, here’s how to make one.

3. Booze for your shotski.

I recommend Porter’s Fire, a local cinnamon whiskey liqueur by Ogden’s Own Distillery. It’s like sipping on a vanilla cinnamon bun and who doesn’t like that? And of course this goes without saying, but make sure there is a designated driver in the mix.

4. Food.

Keep it simple. We bring a small grill to throw on some brats or marinated chicken thighs…but you’d do just as well to hit a deli and gather some tasty and easy bites. Go for food with some energy AND protein, like turkey sandwiches; charcuterie and cheese plates with a loaf of crusty bread; hummus and pita. Or, call one of these places and pre-order!

7. A Camera.

Pamela Olson is the Ski Utah Food Blogger. Pamela Martinson Olson is a freelance writer and former executive editor of Utah Homes & Garden magazine. A native Utahn, she grew up drawn to the natural world, camping in and hiking the state’s deserts and high mountain peaks. A birdwatcher and fly fisher, she’s become a passionate skier over the last few years, seeing mountains and snowstorms in an entirely different light. Pam will be writing about food, restaurants, and aprés.